| Lathyrus linifolius | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Faboideae |
| Genus: | Lathyrus |
| Species: | L. linifolius |
| Binomial name | |
| Lathyrus linifolius | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
Lathyrus linifolius is a species ofpea, commonly calledbitter vetch orheath pea. The name bitter vetch is also sometimes used forVicia ervilia and also forVicia orobus.
The tubers ofL. linifolius were formerly used as anappetite suppressant inmedievalScotland, and this use has brought the plant to recent medical attention.
Lathyrus linifolius is aperennial plant with dark-colouredtubers up to 3 centimetres (1+1⁄4 in) wide attached to the roots. The stem grows to 50 cm (20 in) tall and is erect, winged[3] and nearly hairless. Theleaves are alternate with short winged stalks and largestipules. The leaf blades are pinnate with two to four pairs of narrow lanceolate leaflets with blunt tips, entire margins and no tendrils. Theinflorescence has a long stem and two to six red flowers, each10 to 16 mm (3⁄8 to5⁄8 in) long, turning bluer as they age. These have five sepals and five petals and are irregular. The uppermost petal is known as the "standard", the lateral two as the "wings" and the lowest two are joined to form the "keel". There are ten stamens and a single carpel. The fruit is a long reddish-brown pod containing up to ten seeds. This plant flowers in May and June.[4]
Lathyrus linifolius is native to Europe and parts of Asia. Its typical habitat is rough grassy places, broad-leaved woodland, forest margins, hedgerows and banks.[4]
The tubers can be eaten raw but are better cooked and eaten likechestnuts.[3]
The plant may be the one eaten byRoman soldiers in thebattle of Dyrrhacium in 48BCE.[5]
The plant was formerly an ingredient of the Highland diet when food was scarce until the 18th century, when thepotato became an important crop in the region. The small tubers were removed from the roots and dried. Once eaten, they prevented thirst and hunger pangs. Certain medieval herbals[which?] claimed that this effect could last for days or even weeks. It is surmised that this effect derives from the presence in them oftransethanol.[5] Attempts are being made to cultivate the plant on a commercial scale.[5]
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